I was sitting on my bed in the fetal position.
"I never meant to destroy it, you know. But Luxion said it was dangerous if I didn't break it, and when Greg looked like he might die right in front of me, anyone would've pulled the trigger. Anybody who wouldn't isn't human. And yet, everyone looked at me like 'No way~.' And Daniel and Raymond both pulled away—isn't that harsh?"
Standing before me as I muttered complaints on and on was Luxion, along with my parents and second older brother, who were attending today's medal ceremony... and my second older sister, who didn't manage to get married to that viscount after all.
Her cat-eared personal slave guy—Miol—was waiting outside the room.
Well, since there were still guests here and all.
Angie looked exasperated.
"You've been like this since yesterday. My apologies, Baron. We did manage to get him changed into his formal wear."
Livia was there too, looking apologetic.
"Leon-san got blamed by all sorts of people after yesterday's duel."
The only one who didn't blame me was the Master. That strongest gentleman actually said something kind to me, like "You must have had your reasons."
...The tears won't stop.
"Ah~, now he's started crying. Here, Leon-kun, put a towel over your eyes or you'll get your formal wear dirty."
Clarice-senpai, who I didn't even know why she was here.
Apparently the Atlee family had something to do with it. She was explaining the reason, but I'd been in a daze at the time and didn't listen.
Dad was looking at me exasperated.
He was wearing formal wear that didn't suit his bearded face. A look that seemed a little too pumped up.
"You, really... Can't you pull yourself together at least today?!"
Mom was the same. Wearing a dress she normally never wore.
"Th-That's right. You're receiving a medal, after all. You're the star of the day."
What were they talking about? In the first place, today's ceremony was one where they'd be handing out medals like a 'Good Job Medal' to the students who took part in that battle.
It was being held at the Academy, so they didn't need to be so worked up about it.
More importantly, why were my parents here?
When I made a puzzled face, my second older brother sighed with a tired look.
"Maybe... you weren't actually listening to what we said?"
I nodded, and Angie glared at me. She was pretty scary.
"Hoh... After I explained all that yesterday, you didn't listen to a single word of it?"
When Angie got angry, Livia shielded me.
Livia, I'm... going to give you an amazing necklace. I mean, it was yours from the start.
"Please wait. Leon-san is hurt too. He won the duel that he was actually supposed to lose, against His Highness and the others. And so... please forgive him!"
When Livia said that, Angie made a troubled face and explained it to me once more.
"This time, the greatest achievement goes to Leon."
"Huh? Shouldn't it be Chris?"
"It's true Chris drove off the Black Knight, but it was Leon who captured Princess Hertrude. You seized the enemy nation's new flying ship and armor. The achievement of presenting those is huge too. There's also the achievement of saving the students and crew. Judged comprehensively, you and Chris are a separate bracket. It's turned into you receiving a genuine medal."
Livia looked happy.
"Because you rushed in all alone to save Angie! The Duke's household people were praising you, saying you're truly a knight among knights!"
...Wait, that's it? That counts as an achievement? Huh, but in the game, you were evaluated based on the number of enemies defeated or stuff like... Huh?! Wait just a minute!!
I could barely believe my ears at Clarice-senpai's words.
"The Atlee family had recommended your promotion before, and they've decided to approve it with this opportunity. On top of that, Chris-kun's family also recommended you. The Field family and the Seberg family also wrote letters of recommendation for you, Leon-kun."
...? Letters of recommendation? Huh, why? Those were the families that hated me, right?
As I froze, Livia told me with a smile.
"It's amazing, Leon-san! As of today, Leon-san is now Junior Fourth Rank and a Viscount. In the capital, rumors about Leon-san have spread, and you're being treated like a hero."
...I couldn't quite grasp what Livia was saying. My head was refusing to comprehend it.
A-A Viscount? A hero? This is messed up. Impossible! It must not be!!
My second older sister was shrinking in the corner of the room. Hearing 'Viscount' must have depressed her. I'm sure she was remembering the Viscount she couldn't marry. After all, she was grumbling resentfully.
For now, I'll calm down a little by watching that second sister. Right, if I calm down, I should be able to handle most things.
"What the heck. I told him I'd marry him, and both me and my best friend got rejected. 'No, that's a bit not right,' he said. How cruel is that."
Actually, I happen to know the senior from the viscount family that my second sister fell for. The place where I sold the sky pirates as slaves—that household was the family of the guy my second sister and her best friend were saying they'd be fine marrying.
I asked around a bit, and it seems my second sister and her best friend were just getting carried away on their own; the guy already had someone else.
With a smile, I told my second sister she didn't need to worry about it.
I sold the slaves at a bargain price, but that was in lieu of a nuisance fee. I went and apologized, saying I was really sorry for my terrible sister, so I'm sure I'm a very thoughtful little brother.
And it looks like my second sister made up with her best friend.
Seems they made up by both getting angry at the viscount and complaining about him.
...Who was it that said female friendships were fleeting? They've actually bonded stronger!
I collapsed onto my bed as if falling over.
"This is a dream. When I wake up, it'll be the new semester when academy life begins, and I'll be complaining together with Daniel and Raymond about how tough wife-hunting is. I'll undergo the Master's guidance to master the way of tea, challenge dungeons to buy new tea sets, and then help out a plain but kind and big-chested girl in trouble, and she'll fall for me. I'll spend three years without incident, marry those boobs, and return home. Soak in hot springs, relish Japanese food, and live happily. Viscount? You've got the wrong person."
Watching me blurt out my wishlist totally unfiltered, my second sister clicked her tongue.
"Men really are hopeless. What do you think women are? The worst."
My second brother was harsh too.
"In the end, you're marrying boobs."
Dad was harsh as well.
"Important thing's the butt, right? Like your mother, a round butt—gyabuh!"
"You!"
Mom slapped Dad just as he was about to say something awful. Good, do it more.
Clarice-senpai showed interest.
"Oh, you own hot springs? That's nice."
Angie glared at that senpai.
"What do you mean by that?"
Facing that kind of Angie with composure, Clarice-senpai said,
"Curious? I won't tell you."
I thought it was kinda cute, but Angie's glare was no joke so I averted my eyes.
More than that, even though the room was fairly large, there were so many people it felt cramped. If possible, I'd like to escape this ceremony altogether, so couldn't they all just leave?
Livia got a little angry and made me get up.
"Leon-san, the ceremony is starting soon, so let's hurry and go! Come on, get up."
Angie was praising me while still exasperated.
"I never thought you'd rise in the world by such means. Having those three earn achievements, and then you getting promoted the fastest... You really are amazing. I've never heard of making families who were hostile toward you write letters of recommendation. My father and older brother were both praising you, Leon."
...This is all wrong!
◇
First day of winter break.
A grand ceremony was held at the Academy.
They awarded medals praising the efforts of the young students, starting with the Baron who had distinguished himself in the battle against the Principality.
Many of the male students were recognized as knights, and for many of the female students, receiving a medal meant it was decided they'd get a pension, even if only a small amount.
The fact that male students don't get paid a pension spoke to the harshness of this world.
And then, Leon Fou Bartfort was promoted to Viscount.
His court rank was raised to Junior Fourth Rank, a huge success.
In the kingdom's history, Leon was the only one to achieve this much promotion in such a short period.
On this day, Leon carved his name into the history of the Kingdom.
◇
Winter break.
When I returned to my family home, I looked up at the new mansion.
The countryside really is great. It's as if all the events in the city were a lie. Yes, this place gently welcomes me as reality.
"It's a big mansion, huh."
Dad, who was boasting a little shyly, looked really happy.
"We've got more guests now, after all. I worked hard because I wanted to welcome them in a smart-looking mansion. It's all thanks to you."
I'd been sending some money to my parents since I had a lot, and apparently they used it to rebuild the house.
Well, to call the previous one a mansion... well, let's just say it had character.
My second brother had a complicated expression when he heard he had his own room.
"I wish they'd built it a bit sooner. I'll be coming back less after graduation, I suppose. But, thank you."
My second sister had had her own room from before.
The third daughter was the same.
Because of that, she not only had many requests but no words of gratitude or thanks either.
"Hey, what about Miol's room?"
Dad looked troubled. Seems he hadn't expected his second daughter to ask for a room for her personal servant.
"Huh? There isn't a personal servant, right? Well, there is a guest room, so I think he can stay there next time."
My second sister got angry.
"He stayed behind at the Academy precisely because there was no room! If you'd told me beforehand, I could have brought him! More importantly, at least prepare a room just for Miol!"
"W-Well, I thought I'd surprise you as a surprise."
"Be more considerate. And did you touch my room without permission?"
Dad was getting chewed out by my second sister.
Mom shielded him.
"I tidied up your room. So don't worry."
"I hate that! Why would you touch it without asking?! If you were rebuilding the mansion, you could have just contacted me! I had Leon take me all the way here!"
I spit on the ground.
My second brother scolded me.
"Idiot. It'll get troublesome so leave it."
"Is it okay if I punch her?"
"I understand how you feel, but hold it in. Look, she's just worked up because she got dumped by a guy."
What a great thing to hear. My second sister, who looked down on him from on high and confessed "I'll marry you" only to be rejected with "I already have someone, so I'm fine. Actually, who are you?" She made me laugh, so I'll overlook this rudeness this time.
...I'll tease her with this story for a while.
I watched my second sister huffily storm into the mansion, then placed a hand on my sulking dad's shoulder and praised the mansion.
When I came back, I took a look around the territory for the first time in a while, and it had developed considerably.
At this rate, in two years it'll be a fine baron household.
◇
—It was the day after the duel when Greg woke up.
When he opened his eyes in the infirmary, Julius and the others gathered around.
"Greg! Hey, get a hold of yourself!"
When Brad called out, Greg understood the outcome by the fact he was in the infirmary.
"...Guys, sorry. We lost because of me."
To Greg saying that, Jilk smiled.
"We all left it to you, Greg-kun. So if we lost, it's all our defeat. We misjudged his strength."
Even the armor made by the man who called himself a master artisan was no good. He had actually been a con artist, but the five of them hadn't realized that.
Just when it seemed everyone was dispirited, Julius said to Greg,
"Don't get depressed. There'll be a next time."
"Your Highness?"
"Julius is fine. Greg... We'll challenge Bartfort again. I want your help too."
Greg sat up halfway and laughed quietly.
"...If everyone's got the drive, I can't be the only one pulling back. I'll help you as many times as it takes, Julius!"
Chris took off his glasses and wiped away tears.
He had been playing the cool character all along.
Greg looked around.
"Marie isn't here?"
Brad shrugged.
"Ah, she seems busy with various things. She was talking with Kyle about something. Speaking of which—"
Brad seemed to recall something Marie had asked him and checked with Greg.
"Greg, before, when Bartfort took down the sky pirates, there was the sky pirate boss, right?"
"Yeah, there was."
"Did you see Bartfort get a necklace from the boss's armor? I wasn't watching. I was in pain from my injuries and didn't have the composure. But I heard he got something. He seemed really happy about it."
Greg remembered.
Back then, Leon had taken something out of the sky pirate's armor.
"I don't know if it was a necklace or what, but Bartfort definitely said something. The other guy seemed troubled to have it taken... What about it?"
Brad shook his head.
"No, Marie asked me. When I asked the name of the sky pirate he defeated, she had a very serious look on her face. I was just a little curious."
Greg put his hand to his chin.
"A necklace, huh... Come to think of it, what he showed us before was a 'bracelet'."
Chris also nodded.
"Yeah, he apparently found it in a dungeon in the capital. I'd rather he didn't do anything too reckless."
Julius heard that and agreed. He was worrying about Marie.
"Right."
Jilk had been pondering a bit.
Julius noticed.
"What's wrong?"
"No, I heard that Marie-san has been visiting the temple recently. I was just wondering what she plans to do."
The five finished their inconclusive talk, then got excited discussing whether they should give Marie some kind of present.
◇
The one who barged into our newly built mansion was Zola, Dad's legal wife.
Zola, who barged in with an extremely aggressive attitude, had brought along a high-ranking female priest from the temple. That person was a full-figured woman wearing round glasses.
She seemed to be close with Zola.
"You insolent fool! Return the temple's treasure!"
And when she summoned me, I was suddenly branded a thief.
"Huh? Temple treasure?"
Wondering what she was on about, I returned from fieldwork and was scraping the mud off my shoes.
Looking at my attitude, the priest said, "What a smell." She's probably a woman raised in the city.
Her personality was easy to guess, given she was close with Zola.
The priest cleared her throat.
"Viscount Bartfort, you previously exterminated some sky pirates, yes."
Outside the mansion, armed temple knights were positioned, and both Dad and Mom were extremely wary.
My second sister and third sister didn't come out of the house.
My second brother had gone to another field and wasn't here.
"...Yeah, I crushed them. What about it? I sold them off as slaves."
The priest's face went bright red as she yelled.
"Those sky pirates made off with a treasure of the temple! It should be there! A necklace engraved with the temple crest! The sky pirate who possessed it also testified that you took it!"
...Should I have silenced them?
No, more importantly.
"Why does that make me a thief? The person who defeats sky pirates has the right to claim the treasure they had. That's the law of the kingdom."
They're talking like I'm the bad guy, but it's a recognized right. I'm not the one at fault.
In response to my argument, the priest flew into a rage.
"If it's engraved with the temple crest, donating it is only natural!"
What kind of unreasonable argument is this?
Your "natural" or common sense is nonsense to me.
I was about to turn them away, but right now I was unarmed. Meanwhile, on their side, besides the armed knights, a flying ship was visible in the distance.
Luxion sent a communication to me.
*Master, regrettably, I believe we should give up here.*
When I asked why, Luxion answered.
*It would be simple to overcome this situation. However, socially, your standing would suffer greatly. They have brought military force on a scale that could nearly ravage an entire territory.*
The temple possesses its own military, and it seems they've gathered quite a lot.
Ignoring the ranting priest, I listened to Luxion's story.
*It is unwise to pick a fight with the temple's faction. It's the organization that recognizes Olivia as the Saint, correct?*
...Religion really is troublesome. Indeed, antagonizing them isn't wise.
I considered preparing a fake necklace, but...
*It would likely be seen through if it's a replica.*
Swallowing the urge to click my tongue, I glared at Zola. Her triumphant smirk was infuriating.
"For now, I'll go get it, so stay there."
Then the priest said to me,
"I hear the Viscount has hoarded quite a bit. Why not donate those assets to the temple as well?"
As the priest spoke down condescendingly, Zola chimed in.
"That's right. Surely you can't defy the temple."
But Luxion—
*You may refuse that one. It appears that the treasure matter is unrelated to the organization. I deduce it is these two's personal scheme.*
When I wondered how he'd investigated their plan, it seems he looked into why the temple's forces had gathered.
According to the temple knights, they had been gathered because a heinously wicked knight was in possession of the temple's treasure. It's almost pitiful—they were so scared of me, after I'd beaten the Principality to a pulp, that they gathered forces. Seriously though... heinously wicked? Who's heinous?
"No way. Besides, I'm of a different sect."
I showed them the protective charm hanging from my neck, and they both turned red and started yelling something.
It was a charm I'd bought on a school trip. There was no deep meaning, but I said it just to provoke them.
Just like that, I met up with Luxion, took the necklace, and went not back to those two but to the temple personnel at the port.
◇
At the port was a knight in his forties with a tense demeanor.
He seemed extremely wary, perhaps having heard rumors about me, a sudden upstart.
"Are you the one in charge?"
"...Yes. I'm leading this fleet. Viscount Bartfort, I would prefer not to resort to rough methods if possible. Could you return the temple's treasure?"
They should have just said that from the start.
When I showed the necklace, the general's eyes widened and he immediately called for an appraiser. The appraiser examined the necklace and nodded vigorously.
"Th-There is no mistake. It matches the legends!"
Hearing that, the general trembled.
"Th-This is the lost treasure!"
...If it's something important, I wish they'd keep it properly at the temple.
I said to the general,
"More importantly, take back the person who came to the mansion. She was saying that unless I hand over treasures besides the one you're after, she'd attack, so I'm a bit troubled here."
Told that, the general was astonished.
"Why, I deeply apologize! We came solely to receive the necklace. We will immediately take her and leave."
Seems they had no intention of picking a fight.
Luxion sure is convenient. I avoided an unnecessary dispute.
That aside, now that the treasure has been handed to the temple, should I hurry and retrieve the bracelet from the dungeon?
The general looked relieved.
"Even so, the rumors about you are quite different."
"Rumors?"
"I had heard you were arrogant and domineering. I thought it was no wonder the Saint was angry, but you are much calmer than I'd heard."
...What did he just say?
"Hold on. The Saint?"
"—Ah."
At the information the general had leaked out of relief, the surrounding personnel also put their hands to their faces.
I pressed him.
"The Saint has been found?"
I thought maybe Livia—so I'd been thinking. But the name that came from the general's mouth was too unexpected. Impossible. This can't be.
"I believe you are acquainted... It is Lady Marie Fou Lafan. She came to the temple in the capital carrying the lost bracelet, just like the necklace."
Hearing that name, I panicked.
How did that girl get her hands on the bracelet? If it was just getting it, that'd still be fine. If it passed into Livia's hands, it wouldn't be a problem in the end.
But... but for her to call herself the Saint is impossible.
That girl is a reincarnator.
I can't forgive that she smoothly moved to ensnare the five, but I'll try to understand. But calling herself the Saint is impossible.
She has "game knowledge"... If she had cleared the game, that's absolutely impossible.
Because in the end, what's needed isn't the power of the Saint, but Livia's own strength.
"Marie is the Saint?"
"Yes. A wielder of holy healing magic, and her skill already surpasses that of the priests. The staff also reacted to Lady Marie—"
As the general was speaking, the nearby personnel made him shut his mouth.
"P-Pardon me. Well then, we shall go to deliver this. We will send people to retrieve the priest."
I watched them leave until they were out of sight.
And immediately contacted Luxion.
*What is the matter?*
"Marie has gone and become the Saint. That bitch, I'll never forgive her—"
◇
The territory of the Duke's household.
In one of the mansions there, Angie and Livia were.
Angie watched Livia, who was on a horse.
"Come on, don't be scared."
"It's so high. This is higher than I thought!"
"This much isn't considered high."
Winter break.
Having invited Livia to the mansion, Angie was teaching her horse riding indoors.
"Once you become a second-year, besides academics, tests on these kinds of practical skills will appear. Get used to it now."
Livia, trembling and shaking, had no problems with academics but had issues with everything else—such as manners.
Since she wanted to do something about that, Angie was instructing Livia.
The two had actually wondered about going to Leon's family home, but considering Leon was busy with things like starting up a factory, they had held back out of consideration.
"See, your posture has broken down."
As she taught horse riding while watching the frightened Livia, snow had started falling outside.
(It's early this year.)
It's cold, so she considered maybe going to Leon's territory to soak in the hot springs, but as an unmarried maiden, that would be improper so she restrained herself.
(Still, if my elder brother is considering politics, will a bride be sent from the relatives of the Duke's household? In that case, who?)
As for Leon's marriage partner, the options had broadened here.
If he were a baron, a baron's daughter, or at most a viscount's daughter, would be marriageable.
But once he became a viscount, it went from a viscount's daughter at the minimum, up to a count's daughter.
A margrave's daughter is also possible... anyway, the options expanded.
Of course, the Duke's household is too far above his station, but the possibility of marrying a count's daughter was born.
At the same time, from now on he would be in a position to be courted by many girls. A third of the entire student body had witnessed Leon's exploits.
Who drove off the Black Knight—even without watching the battle, a bit of thought would make it clear.
(Chris was looking upset, after all. There may be few students who witnessed it directly... but one can deduce from Chris's attitude.)
And now came the important part.
Leon's title is Viscount. His court rank is Junior Fourth Rank... The large flying ship Partner, the armor Arroganz that repelled the Black Knight. What would the girls who saw these up close and those who heard the rumors think?
Angie's head started to hurt.
(Is Clarice aiming for him? That one is hard to understand sometimes. Perhaps she's just teasing... Shall I ask my father?)
Feeling oddly restless, Angie shook her head.
Then, Livia cried and sought Angie's help.
"Angie... my leg feels like it's going to cramp..."
"Y-You... Could it be you're out of shape?"
Originally an indoor type, Livia had fewer opportunities to move her body since coming to the Academy, without the housework help she did back home.
Because of that, her physical strength had actually declined.
"Oh dear. At this rate, conquering the dungeon by graduation will be tough."
"Conquering the dungeon? U-Um, dungeons disappear when you conquer them, so isn't conquering the capital's dungeon a bad idea?"
Angie helped Livia off the horse while explaining.
"By conquer, I mean reaching the thirtieth underground floor. If you can go that far, you're judged full-fledged. Conversely, if you can't reach that far, you'll forever be a half-baked novice. Well, in the worst case, you'd hire escorts. Still, if you lack stamina, both going and returning will be harsh. Dungeon conquest is even a graduation requirement, after all."
Unless there were special reasons, dungeon conquest was mandatory.
Hearing that, Livia's shoulders drooped.
"...I'll do my best."
Hugging the trembling Livia, Angie giggled.
"Aren't you shaking. Still, Livia, you're so warm."
"Angie, don't hug me so tight."
Watching the two being all lovey-dovey were the guards and maids assigned to protect and look after them.
◇
In a VIP room at the temple.
Marie rested her arm on the back of the sofa, crossed her legs, and looked down at the low table.
"Fufu, I finally got it."
Having obtained the necklace, Marie picked it up and hung it around her own neck.
Shining on her left wrist was the holy bracelet.
Adorning her neck was the holy necklace.
And nearby, leaning against the wall, was the Saint's staff.
All of them were unmistakably reacting to Marie.
"I've stolen the protagonist's place, but there's no problem with me being the Saint anyway, right? After all, I'm good at healing magic too."
Marie's knowledge indeed came from the game.
"In the event movie, everything was fine as long as the Saint prayed—so no matter what happens, I'll deal with it in her place. So, give everything to me, Olivia, who had nothing good happen in her past life."
The knowledge of the reincarnator Marie—was mainly event movies, images, and a half-baked amount of online strategy info.
After all, the game was difficult and she'd quit partway through.
The one who cleared it was the "man who was Marie's brother" in a past life.
"Even so, it was tough. I hired adventurers to retrieve the bracelet, and on top of that, I struggled to convince the temple people."
And one more thing.
"That sky pirate Leon defeated... when I checked, they were the ones carrying the necklace. That man... could he know something?"
In the first place, Marie didn't even know the family name Bartfort.
She hadn't even progressed past the midpoint of the game.
So she figured there would be things she didn't know.
"He didn't appear in any events, so is he really just a mob? Wait, could it be he's like me... That's possible. If so, the fact that he's interfered with me... That bastard, I'll never forgive him!"
Furious, Marie began thinking about how to take revenge.
"Well, but—right now my position is higher, isn't it? Both reincarnators, and while he's been rising through the ranks, I can even aim for the position of queen now. That's right. I have to restore Julius to crown prince, and become the queen no matter what! A life of luxury in the city of my dreams is waiting for me!"
Leon and Marie are terribly alike.
But the place they aimed for was different.
While Leon aimed for an ordinary life in the countryside, Marie longed for a life of luxury in the capital.
"I'll have handsome men wait on me, and live in luxury every day. I suffered in my past life, so surely I deserve this much. The protagonist suits that mob guy. Oh? If that's the case, should I just leave things be? No, that won't do. I can't calm this anger inside me."
Marie remembered her past life.
"My past life was truly hard. Working at a night shop, I even gained popularity, but got hooked on a worthless guy... Ahh, just how unlucky am I."
Her experience working at a night shop came in handy.
A past life spent polishing the skill of pointlessly ensnaring men.
That Marie was able to ensnare the five was largely thanks to that past life experience, more than her looks.
Marie stands up and smiles.
"I will definitely find happiness in this world!"